Zawra Park's Pool Re-Opens After Recent Refurbishment

By Sgt. Jason Thompson

Three Iraqi children splash around in a shallow pool during the festivities for the opening of Zawra Park's public pool in central Baghdad July 5. The park recently went through a thorough revitalization with the help of Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad.

BAGHDAD - Summer days in Baghdad often rival some of the hottest days from across the globe; and until recently, many residents of central Baghdad's Karkh district did not have any place where they could visit to escape from the heat.

Zawra Park officials worked closely with Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, to re-open the park's public swimming pool July 5.

"This is a great day for the citizens of Baghdad," said Salah Abou El Lail, park director, Zawra Park. "This pool will be a great and enjoyable destination for many Baghdad Families. Families already enjoy visiting the park and the zoo here, and the pool will be fun for everyone."

The project to refurbish the swimming pool complex began more than four months ago and cost just less than $500,000 to complete.

An Iraqi young adult takes a dive into the newly reopened pool in Zawra Park July 5.

Temperatures in Iraq regularly surpass 120 degrees during the merciless summer. But, for the Soldiers who patrol the streets in central Baghdad, the pool is a welcome scene which will help the people they're here to protect.

"This makes me proud," said Lt. Col. Fred Wintrich, a Union City, Texas, native, and executive officer, 2nd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. "Everyone worked hard together to reopen this pool for the Iraqi citizens."

The Zawra Park's public swimming pool in central Baghdad reopened July 5. The park recently went through a thorough revitalization with the help of Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad.

"This is a good example of what cooperation between the local officials, Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. Forces can accomplish," said Wintrich. "We've helped to improve the security of the region so that the local residents could enjoy a more peaceful community to raise their families."

During the opening day's festivities, children and young adults alike swam and splashed around in the water with large smiles, knowing that the pool signified more than just a new recreational activity in the already popular Zawra Park.

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